In this lesson students investigate the effects of black carbon on arctic warming and are introduced to a mechanism of arctic warming that is not directly dependent on greenhouse gases in the atmosphere: black carbon deposition on Arctic snow and...(View More) ice. It can also be used to introduce the concept of albedo. Prerequisite knowledge: students understand the concepts of absorption and reflection of light energy. This lesson is designed to be used with either an Earth/environmental science or chemistry curriculum. It may also be used as an enrichment activity in physics or physical science during a unit on energy. Includes suggested modifications for students with special needs and low technology option. Requires advance preparation, including freezing ice samples overnight.(View Less)

This is a series of seven brief activities about Jupiter's atmosphere and weather. Learners will look at Jupiter's distinct banded appearance, violent storms, and clouds of many different colors. The activities are part of Explore! Jupiter's Family...(View More) Secrets, a series designed to engage children in space and planetary science in libraries and informal learning environments.(View Less)

In this activity, a Whiffle® ball containing a battery-operated buzzer is twirled in a circle to demonstrate the Doppler effect. The demonstration is an illustration of how stellar spectra can be used to measure a star's motion relative to Earth...(View More) along the line of sight. This activity is part of Unit 2 in the Space Based Astronomy guide that contains background information, worksheets, assessments, extensions, and standards.(View Less)

This is a activity about how reaction wheels affect spacecraft orientation (attitude). Learners will observe Newton's Third Law (action-reaction) in the changes caused by a reaction wheel acting upon a spacecraft suspended from a support wire and in...(View More) the ensuing interfering forces from the wire support. The experiment includes an option for demonstration and for learner investigation. Notes about gyroscopes are included.(View Less)

A caller on an automotive-themed radio program asked for help with a problem. It seems that when it rained her windshield wipers sometimes turned themselves on. How is this possible? This resource provides an explanation by exploring electrical...(View More) currents. This resource is from PUMAS - Practical Uses of Math and Science - a collection of brief examples created by scientists and engineers showing how math and science topics taught in K-12 classes have real world applications.(View Less)